Why One Gene at a Time Isn't Enough: A Pioneer's View on Autism, Transcriptomics, and Future Cures

About this episode

Dr. Daniel Gershwind discusses the complex genetic factors contributing to autism and the future of neurogenomics.

What if the key to understanding autism isn't one gene — but thousands working together? In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Daniel Gershwind, Gordon and Virginia McDonald Distinguished Professor of Human Genetics, Neurology, and Psychiatry at UCLA, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Precision Health. A true pioneer in neurogenomics, Dr. Gershwind has spent over two decades reshaping how we understand autism and complex brain disorders — from build...

People in this episode

Host: Deborah Westphal

Guest: Dr. Daniel Gershwind

Topics covered

• autism
• neurogenomics
• brain disorders
• transcriptomics
• genetics
• healthcare
• future cures

Keywords

• autism
• genetics
• neurogenomics
• brain disorders
• transcriptomics
• health
• future cures

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UCLA, Gordon and Virginia McDonald Distinguished Professor of Human Genetics, Neurology, and Psychiatry

More episodes of Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain Science

• The Eye Knows: Using Ocular Biometrics to Diagnose PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression · June 10, 2026 · 51 min
• The Third Pillar: Why Sleep Apnea, Circadian Rhythms, and Cognitive Health Are More Connected Than You Think · June 3, 2026 · 53 min
• The Brain's Plumbing Problem: A Neurologist-Scientist's Quest to Clear Alzheimer's Proteins · May 20, 2026 · 59 min
• The Hidden Genome: How Mitochondrial DNA Shapes Aging and Disease · May 13, 2026 · 45 min
• Rewiring Mental Health: Nature-Inspired Brain Medicine with Dr. Jacob Hooker · May 6, 2026 · 46 min
• Rethinking Depression: Why Mental Health Is a Whole-Body Disease · April 29, 2026 · 49 min